Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis RA

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) does not recover completely. His treatment is to slow down and reduce joint damage, pain and stiffness and, consequently, to minimize the risk of disability.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, DMARDs)

The DMARDs help to slow the progression of the disease and to alleviate the symptoms. These drugs work by blocking the chemicals involved in inflammatory process.

Biological treatments

Biological treatments such as monoclonal antibodies can be used to slow the progression of the disease, inhibiting the immune mediator responsible for inflammation in RA. For example, the necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine involved in inflammation of the joints.

TNF-alpha antagonists work by blocking the effect of this cytokine and thereby reducing the joint damage and symptoms. Treatments organic products are often used when patients continue to show disease active despite treatment with DMARDs.

Glucocorticoids

These steroids are often prescribed both in the exacerbations, that to keep control symptoms of the disease activity. They are sometimes administered by direct injection in the joint inflamed and swollen. The glucocorticoids are also used as disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), usually in combination with a DMARD or biological treatment, although they may be administered alone.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs do not slow down the progression of the disease, but help to alleviate symptoms, reducing pain, stiffness and inflammation. They are often administered in addition to a DMARD, until it begins to act, after which the dose of NSAIDs is reduced or stopped altogether.

Drugs "painkiller" (pain killer)

Traditional painkiller such as paracetamol may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments to relieve pain.

Surgery

Some cases of RA may require surgery to reconstruct or replace severely damaged joints, and this helps to regain the mobility patient. Hip and knee joints are most commonly subject to reconstructive surgery.

Lifestyle

People with RA having to know how to keep as active as possible, to ensure the muscles and joints do not weaken. Swimming is a good form exercise, since it does work the muscles but does not weigh on the joints. Those who suffer from RA are at risk of developing other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and infections. It is therefore important to match exercise and healthy diet.

Biological treatments such as monoclonal antibodies can be used to slow the progression of the disease, inhibiting the immune mediator responsible for inflammation in RA. For example, the necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine involved in inflammation of the joints.